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Generations
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Generations Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length solo studio release for the Arcade Fire member was self-recorded and produced at his Brooklyn home during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. DIY Magazine
    Sep 24, 2020
    90
    ‘Generations’’ best trick is in its variety: if Will is undoubtedly a curious, enthusiastic sort, then that curiosity stretches across propulsive, vitriolic riffs (‘Bethlehem’), idiosyncratic, stripped-back synths (‘Hide It Away’), Randy Newman-esque piano send-offs (‘Fine’) and more. What unites the record, however, is an urgent, anxious sense of unrest.
  2. Exclaim
    Sep 24, 2020
    80
    Generations feature a magnitude of emotions, both raw and sincere.
  3. Glide Magazine
    Sep 28, 2020
    80
    Generations is a more mature album than Policy in that Butler creates a cohesive narrative throughout. ... Butler also proves that he is adept at creating music on his own without having to rely on past sounds from Arcade Fire.
  4. AllMusic
    Sep 24, 2020
    70
    Generations finds Butler offering up another set of passionate songs rich with complex but understated arrangements.
  5. Uncut
    Sep 24, 2020
    70
    It all feels quite timely. with Butler exploring the state of the world. [Nov 2020, p.27]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    Sep 24, 2020
    60
    “Close My Eyes” feels a bit like Suicide pretending to be a power-pop band with its quivering keys and its catchy “In my mind I want to choose the right” chorus. The glitchy “Hard Times” balances Butler’s brooding with disco-house keyboards, and “Surrender” feels like a gospel call-and-response moment of ascendency. But it all comes crashing down on Generations’ final two offerings.
  7. Mojo
    Sep 24, 2020
    60
    Melodic snap and guileless sentiments. [Nov 2020, p.90]
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See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. gbslays
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Loved it! I don’t have too much to say but I will say that this album is a very interesting listen!
  2. pobeso
    Apr 11, 2022
    10
    Musical experimentation, brisk songwriting, and biting sincerity are all over this album and I love it. The record manages to explore manyMusical experimentation, brisk songwriting, and biting sincerity are all over this album and I love it. The record manages to explore many different sounds while still weaving together a purposeful sonic storyline. Growling synths, punchy beats, a smattering of orchestral instruments, and flowering melodies keep this album constantly fresh from song to song.

    While I'm sure the musical variety will not be for everyone, I am being completely honest when I say there was not a single song I didn't immediately enjoy. Standouts for me were Outta Here, Bethlehem, Hide It Away, and Promised. I also particularly enjoyed the lyrical surprises of Not Gonna Die (I'm gonna die in a hospital / surrounded by strangers / who keep sayin' they're my kids) followed by a rousing anthem against a hyperbolic and fearmongering news cycle ("Quit sayin' that - some doctor's gonna kill me / Quit sayin' that - someone dyin's gonna kill me / Quit sayin' that - some mercy's gonna kill me).

    I am sure the last thing Will wants is to suffer additional comparisons to his earlier work on Arcade Fire, so I'll keep this brief - his musical influence on that band is highly present here, while defiantly climbing to new heights as he carves out his own unquestionably unique spot in the world of indie-pop-rock-grunge-folk. It is an accomplishment deserving of so much more awareness, recognition, and attention than it currently has. Sadly, one misled review can sway a lot of people from checking out good art - their loss in the end! Will Butler fully embraces who & what he is in his music, "flaws" and all, and this only makes the experience of listening to him that much stronger. For those looking for stirring and candid rock that keeps you guessing, keep a close eye on Will Butler. He is way overdue for a moment in the spotlight.    … Expand
  4. shoeletariat
    Oct 11, 2020
    9
    That rolling stone review reads like it was written by a freshman political science major. The song they're complaining about is speakingThat rolling stone review reads like it was written by a freshman political science major. The song they're complaining about is speaking about the hyperbolic news cycle and information that spreads on social media; it has nothing to do with race politics and to shoehorn in that issue in the review is pretty infuriating, and I fully support the BLM movement. This is a great album with a unique and honest perspective, and plenty of hooks. Only one of the songs doesn't work in my opinion, "Hard Times" comes off as a bit goofy despite its earnestness.… Expand
  5. Danijelurvc
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Its very boring and disappointing if im honest theres max. 1 good song in it

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